Steam Deck Gets A Major Boost With A Native GeForce Now App

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With the new native GeForce Now app developed specifically for the Steam Deck, gamers can now easily stream games using Nvidia’s robust cloud hardware, eliminating the need for complex workarounds that were previously required by Steam Deck users to get it functioning.

In a recent announcement about its release, Nvidia emphasized that GeForce Now allows Steam Deck users to leverage significantly more potent hardware and sophisticated technical capabilities than what can be run directly on the handheld device. Additionally, Nvidia mentions that by connecting the Steam Deck to a television, you can enjoy games at resolutions up to 4K/60FPS.

One key advantage of GeForce Now lies in its ability to let users play games that may be difficult or impossible to run otherwise, either due to performance issues, lack of support, or compatibility problems with the Steam Deck’s Linux operating system. For example, Destiny 2 cannot run natively on the Steam Deck (without installing Windows), but I’ve verified it can now be played through the native GeForce Now application.

According to testing conducted by The Verge, GeForce Now allows higher graphics settings for a wider range of games, even those with high system requirements. This is particularly advantageous for me, as someone primarily using a Steam Deck for PC gaming. Notably, The Verge’s tests indicate that running games through GeForce Now consumes significantly less battery power compared to playing locally on the handheld device. This is likely because the Steam Deck’s hardware is only responsible for video streaming rather than rendering the entire game, thus reducing the overall processing demands.

For novices in the realm of game streaming, GeForce Now allows you to play numerous games from your PC library on a distant computer equipped with Nvidia hardware. There are various subscription levels; the most affordable one includes ads, longer wait times for access, and less powerful hardware, while the premium plan utilizes machines sporting Nvidia’s 4080 GPUs.

At a pivotal moment for the Steam Deck, which operates on somewhat outdated hardware, Nvidia’s GeForce Now is making an entrance. First introduced in early 2022, the Steam Deck has yet to undergo any specification updates apart from the release of an OLED model towards the end of 2023. However, the device remains popular and has spurred other PC hardware manufacturers to produce their own handhelds. The ability to stream more demanding games directly onto the Steam Deck via the official GeForce Now app could potentially rejuvenate its position within the gaming community.

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2025-05-29 22:39